An:/ Another chapter update. Thanks to those who have continually read and reviewed, favourited etc, I really appreciate it! This chapter kind of goes back more the partnerships, than the competition, I hope this doesn't stop readers, but a new action packed chapter isn't far away. Please enjoy the newest chapter.
Lottie.
The team all had made their timely exits, leaving with their respective partners, taking the opportunity to relax before the next day's final events, knowing that the competitiveness levels were going to be higher than ever with the overall title to be decided. Nell and Eric had been the last two to leave, not once coming across the rest of the team if their ventures through to the parking lot. However as Nell approached her car, she had been mistaken for a senior high school student and had been thoroughly scolded by a member of the senior staff for not parking in the student parking lot. Eric had quickly set the teacher straight on the matter, adding a small threat about one's credit history in the process.
Nell had been surprised at Eric's quick retort, that she merely stood by awkwardly watching the encounter, smiling as she accepted the hurried apology from the embarrassed teacher. As the teacher crossed the parking lot, Eric turned to Nell a confident grin on his face, to which Nell just rolled her eyes, trying to hide her amusement, as she entered her car. Eric followed quickly, unsure as to what to make of Nell's discernible look, although nothing was said about it again as they left the high school parking lot, returning to their usual banter.
Deeks and Kensi's exit had been far more uneventful, blending in with the mix of high school students and teachers who darted through the school making their way home and to various sporting practices. "So Kens, what unhealthy dinner shall we have tonight?" Deeks questioned, as he threw his sport bag into the backseat of the car. Kensi looked suspiciously at Deeks, her eyes narrowing with curiosity, before hopping into the driver's seat.
"I was thinking of a quiet night at home, alone, with my bed." Kensi admitted, moving her shoulders into the seat, as she started the car. Deeks glanced at Kensi sceptically, knowing that despite what she had said, Kensi had no plans of spending the night alone, for she hadn't done so in nearly two weeks and the company was growing on her.
"Didn't enjoy last night?" Deeks teased, raising his eyebrows suggestively. Kensi rolled her eyes at Deeks innuendo, pulling out into the traffic swiftly, trying to avoid having to answer Deeks question.
"Because you look pretty comfortable to me this morning, in my shirt, in my bed," Deeks continued tauntingly, playing with the edge of his shorts.
"Deeks…" Kensi warned, her grip tightening on the steering wheel.
"I am just saying, that our team preparation had been working for us, why change it now?" Deeks shrugged, trying to look as innocent as possible. Kensi scoffed loudly at Deeks' suggestion, turning her head to watch Deeks eyes light up in defiance.
"You call eating from nearly every take out place in L.A and passing out on the couch team preparation?" Kensi deadpanned, as if her point was very clear.
Deeks pretended to contemplate Kensi's accusation for a moment, before turning to her with a triumphant grin. "I'd say that is team bonding at its best,"
"Well then if its team bonding, we will have to invite Eric," Kensi reminded, looking smugly at Deeks for she knew she had found a loop hole in his plan.
"Eric will be far too busy with Nell building his killer robot," Deeks offhandedly replied, casually waving off the conversation. Kensi furrowed her brow at Deeks, unsure as to whether her partner was being serious or not, for she wouldn't put such an idea past the minds of Eric and Nell.
"Here's the plan, I am going to drop you off at your apartment, and then return home to mine, and go to bed," Kensi announced as she dodged yet another near accident, whilst preventing a yawn for emphasis. Deeks looked from the window to Kensi, unimpressed by Kensi's revised plan.
"New plan; you come back to my apartment for dinner, and then you can retreat to your apartment all on your lonesome, without me there to snuggle with." Deeks tried, emphasising that Kensi would be alone and without his company for the first time in weeks. Kensi pretended not to have heard Deeks suggestion and teasing remark, turning up the volume of the radio to drown out his voice. After several moments of challenging silence, filled only by the blaring music of the car radio, Deeks took Kensi's silence as a sign of defeat.
"I am just going to take this silent treatment as a yes and order us some pasta." Deeks retorted, whipping out his cell phone and beginning to dial numbers. Kensi just shook her head at Deeks actions, continuing to ignore her partner, who was now singing along loudly to lyrics of the music whilst he waited for the phone to be answered, knowing that it would annoy Kensi.
"Hello….yes just a minute, I will turn that obnoxiously loud music down," Deeks started, looking smugly at Kensi, as he dramatically turned the music down, causing Kensi to roll her eyes.
"Better? Okay I'd like to place an order…." Deeks continued, as Kensi navigated down a side street, cutting through to Deeks' apartment blocks. Pulling into the guest parking space, Kensi turned off her car and looked to Deeks expectantly, who held his finger up signalling to Kensi he wouldn't be a moment.
"Okay thank you, have a good night," Deeks replied, trying to charm whatever female that was on the other end of the line, hanging up his phone dramatically.
"I'm all yours now Kens," Deeks winked, beaming at Kensi charmingly.
"Out," Kensi instructed, failing at hiding her amusement.
"I just ordered us a healthy dinner and you're kicking me to the curb, not nice Kensi, not nice." Deeks pouted. Kensi didn't reply, but continued to hold the steely gaze with Deeks, each waiting for the other to falter so they could claim the small win.
"There will be extra garlic bread," Deeks added, trying to bargain with Kensi, knowing that using food as a bargaining tool was a very good idea. Kensi tried to fight the involuntary grumble of her stomach at the mention of garlic bread, for she hadn't eaten since the quick snack they had acquired from the high school cafeteria, earlier that day.
"Okay fine, but I am not staying. Sam and Callen do not need any more ideas." Kensi relented, metaphorically putting her foot down on the situation. Deeks' grin grew wider with Kensi's defeat, opening the car door excitedly, and exiting quickly. Kensi rolled her eyes at Deeks' eagerness at her agreement to stay for dinner. As Deeks made his way to the stairs that led to his apartment, Kensi grabbed her gym bag from the back seat, deciding that she would take advantage of Deeks facilities while she waited for dinner to arrive. Climbing the stairs slowly, her legs still aching from the final event of the day, Kensi found Deeks waiting for her patiently at the top of the stairs.
"Locked yourself out again Deeks?" Kensi mocked, stopping on the last step before the top where Deeks leant against the railing, a knowing grin on his face.
"Just making sure you hadn't done a runner on me Speedy Gonzalez," Deeks quipped, pushing off the railing with a wink.
"If I had you wouldn't have been able to catch me," Kensi teased, reminding Deeks that she was the fastest agent on the team. Deeks shook his head, not even looking at Kensi as he entered his apartment effortlessly.
"You didn't lock your door?" Kensi questioned the feeling all too familiar.
"Apparently we have a knack for being late and not locking doors," Deeks shrugged, disposing of his gym bag by the coffee table, walking through into the small kitchen. Kensi followed Deeks actions, throwing her bag down carelessly, knowing exactly where her partner was headed. Kensi entered the kitchen and immediately was handed a bottle of Gatorade. Kensi held up the offending bottle with a confused look on her face.
"We don't need a repeat of last night, and if you're planning on driving home you can't drink." Deeks reminded smugly, taking a sip of his own Gatorade. Kensi rolled her eyes dramatically, opening the drink with excessive force.
"You're right, I will be driving," Kensi said cheerily, walking back into the living room, sitting on the couch with a thud. Deeks shook his head at his stubborn partner, chuckling to himself before following her into the living room.
"What's that for?" Deeks inquired nudging Kensi's gym bag with his foot as he came around to sit on the other side of the couch.
"I'm going to shower whilst we wait for dinner…." Kensi started, watching Deeks eyes light up a mischievous glint, his mind definitely going to places Kensi had expected.
"Mind out of the gutter Deeks," Kensi scolded, nudging Deeks with her arm.
"I….I…" Deeks started trying to defend himself, but failed miserably.
"Don't even try," Kensi grinned, placing her half empty bottle on the coffee table before standing up off the couch. Deeks trailed Kensi with his eyes, as he watched her walk around the couch, and towards his bedroom, her eyes never leaving his, as though it was a challenge. Deeks realised that Kensi was heading towards his bathroom, not even waiting from his approval to use it, preferring to make herself at home in his apartment.
"The towels are under the sink," Deeks called, from the couch, throwing his head back into the cushions as he put his feet on the coffee table.
"I know," Kensi called in return, slamming the bathroom door shut harder than expected, triggering a beaming smile on Deeks face.
Sam had stuck to his word, buying Callen the 16oz steak he had rightfully earnt after his impressive gold medal win several days earlier. Whilst it was late to be received, Callen still savoured the moment, enjoying spending it with Sam and his family. After a quick trip to one of the many convenience stores that Sam frequented, the two had returned to the Hanna family home to cook up the steaks on the outdoor grill. Annie had been overly excited but the unsuspected visit from her favourite Uncle G, being sure to show him all her latest art work she had brought home from school and her newest doll, Gemma. Denise however had not been surprised by the unannounced arrival of Callen, for he was a regular dinner guest at the Hanna house hold.
Sam and Callen stood outside on the patio, as the sun began to set, whilst Annie played in her well sculpted tree house Sam had built for many years ago, occasionally calling out for Sam or Callen to share latest update of how her tea party with Gemma and Penny was going, whilst Denise made a salad and sides to go with the lean steaks.
"What are your thoughts on tomorrow G?" Sam asked, watching as G continued to space out, deep in thoughts of his own.
"Deeks will be our focus, but I think we still may have this won," Callen replied, clearly not paying full attention to the conversation.
"We just have to win the first two, and it will be over with," Sam reminded, lifting the lid of the grill to check if the steaks were tenderising.
"Then back to things as usual." Callen agreed, looking over his shoulder, making sure that Sam was seasoning the steaks just right.
"Do you think Hetty will have gotten what she has wanted out of all this?" Sam queried replacing the tongs, leaning against the small brick ledge.
"We've bonded as a team, settled the competitiveness streak for at least a month or two, I think she has achieved her means." Callen agreed, looking out over the lush backyard that Sam somehow managed to maintain.
"Are you boys done with those steaks yet?" Denise asked, sticking her head out of the side glass door.
"Another ten minutes and they'll be perfect," Callen smiled charmingly.
"Alright then. Annie time to wash up for dinner," Denise called, prompting the young girl to exit her tree house. Annie appeared at the entrance of her tree house, climbing down the wooden ladder with ease, her two dolls tucked securely under her arm.
"Good kid," Callen beamed to himself, taking a small swig of his beer as Annie scurried into the house, Sam nodding his head silently agreeing with Callen.
"Are you ever going to finish that dog house?" Callen asked conversationally, knowing that Sam preferred to keep his work separate from his home life. Sam
looked over at the dilapidated dog house that stood half built in the back corner by the small gardening shed.
"If it's finished that means a dog comes next," Sam shrugged nonchalantly.
"That's usually how these things work," Callen reminded glancing at Sam suspiciously, who just sipped his beer.
"A dog is a lot of responsibility, you have to feed it, walk it, entertain it and clean up after it, it's a big commitment," Sam continued, checking the steaks again.
"You don't have to tell me that, but it sounds like you've said it before." Callen joked, crossing his arms across his chest leisurely.
"Every birthday and Christmas for the past two years," Sam informed, looking unimpressed.
"C'mon Sam, if Deeks can look after Monty, Annie can handle a puppy," Callen emphasized, a sly grin on his face.
"I'll be the one left to look after it. I know, what about a hamster? They're small and relatively clean," Sam suggested, placing the succulent steaks on the serving tray.
"It'll be dead with in the year," Callen deadpanned, turning off the gas supply to the barbeque. Sam sighed exasperated, knowing that Callen was going to
have a negative answer to every suggestion until he relented and decided to get a dog, much like Annie did.
"Well if we had a dog it would be getting your share of steak right now," Sam grumbled under his breath as they entered the house once again, producing a wide grin on Callen's face.
It wasn't long after Kensi had slammed the bathroom door and started the shower that the pasta and garlic bread had been delivered. Deeks had been prepared for the delivery girl, his wallet waiting on the edge of the coffee table along with his weapon and cell phone. It wasn't often that he ordered in after his shooting in the convenience store, choosing to pick it up himself for his own personal safety, but with Kensi around his opinion changed.
"Kens, dinner's here!" Deeks called as the closed the door behind him, using his foot as leverage. Deeks moved through to the kitchen, throwing the plastic bag of food down on the clean counter top, pulling out the separate packaging.
"What?" Kensi yelled in return, the running water now shut off.
"Food," Deeks bellowed, moving around to small opening that lead to his bedroom, a piece of garlic bread in his hand. Deeks waited for Kensi to exit the bathroom, so that he could taunt her with the offending piece in his hand, but was greeted with silence. After several moments Kensi's hesitant voice echoed through the apartment. "Ah Deeks, can you please bring me my gym bag,"
Deeks looked around confused, his eyes falling on Kensi's discarded gym bag still lying beside his own. Deciding that taunting Kensi probably wasn't the best path he could take in this particular moment, Deeks shuffled around his couch, grabbing Kensi's bag, still finding the soon to be compromising situation amusing.
"Just a sec," Deeks called, his voice muffled by the piece of garlic bread snagged between his teeth. Strolling down the short passage, a certain coloured shirt captured Deeks attention in Kensi's half opened bag. It took only a second for Deeks to realise that he did recognise the shirt, that the distinct navy blue colour was the one that stuck out in his mind from the night before. Risking death or loss of a limb, Deeks snuck a peak at the shirt, quickly realising that Kensi had indeed smuggled his shirt that she had been wearing the night before into her gym bag for her own personal use. A knowing grin growing on his face, his amusement clear, Deeks knocked on the bathroom door and waited for Kensi to respond. Kensi pulled the door open, sticking her head around the door, concealing her body from Deeks wandering eyes. Kensi looked Deeks over suspiciously, holding her bag out, a cheeky grin on his face.
"What did you do?" Kensi insinuated, narrowing her eyes at Deeks. Deeks looked Kensi over, his eyes and imagination wandering over Kensi's half concealed body.
"Nothing," Deeks responded as innocently as possible. Kensi glared at Deeks as if to say yeah right, before reaching out with one hand to retrieve her bag. As
Kensi shut the door once again, Deeks took the opportunity he was presented with.
"I think the navy blue one will suit you best," Deeks called in a sing song voice, before retreating to the kitchen to start serving dinner, out of the earshot and reach of Kensi.
"What?" Kensi hissed, sticking her head out of the bathroom door again.
"Hurry up or your food will go cold," Deeks provided, quickly changing the subject. Hearing the bathroom door close again, Deeks breathed a sigh of relief, returning to his task of serving up their professionally prepared dinner.
Several minutes later Kensi appeared at the threshold of the kitchen, in her red sweat pants and small white t-shirt, her wet hair pushed up into a loose bun. Deeks not so subtly leered at Kensi, taking in her appearance, before walking past her towards the living room, dinner in hand. Kensi spun on the spot and trailed behind Deeks, taking the opportunity to look Deeks over herself.
"Enjoy your shower?" Deeks casually asked, digging his fork into the pasta, twirling it around, as they sat comfortably on Deeks' couch.
"Mines better," Kensi shrugged defiantly, taking a large bite out of the garlic bread. Deeks nodded his head, his mouth full of pasta, and the pair fell into a comfortable silence, subtly watching the other, exchanging quick glances every so often. When the pair had finished devouring their meal, Deeks rose from the couch with the dishes as Kensi turned the television on, flicking through various channels.
"Do you want a beer? Or are you still 'going home'?" Deeks taunted, as he sauntered into the kitchen. Kensi glanced indignantly at Deeks over the back of the couch, making it clear that she still intended on going home.
"Your loss then," Deeks sighed, grabbing himself a beer before returning to the couch, turning off the light in the process.
"What are we watching?" Deeks questioned, taking a sip of his beer, his arm snaking over the back of the couch as he relaxed.
"Grey's Anatomy rerun," Kensi smiled smugly, knowing that despite Deeks protests he did enjoy the medical drama as much as she did.
"You just want to perve on McDreary," Deeks sighed, looking at Kensi suspiciously.
"Its McDreamy and I prefer McSteamy," Kensi corrected, reaching over to steal Deeks beer. Deeks eyes widened in shock at Kensi's action, watching as his partner took a sip of his beer, before casually returning it.
"Please help yourself," Deeks joked, placing the bottle down on the coffee table. Kensi ignored Deeks minor protest, turning her attention back to the television, indulging herself in some drama that wasn't hers to deal with. By the end of the episode, Kensi had moved closer to Deeks, seeking his warmth in the cooling apartment. Realising that Kensi was cold, Deeks retrieved the blanket that still laid forgotten on his apartment floor, laying it over Kensi who snuggled into it thankfully, her head now resting against the back of the couch her eyes beginning to flutter with sleep as another episode of Grey's Anatomy began to play.
"I'll see you tomorrow Sam, pick you up an hour and half before the events," Callen proposed, exiting Sam's car outside his house.
"That's early G," Sam observed, looking at Callen confused, knowing that the pair normally leave only half an hour before the event.
"I think we should take it upon ourselves to make sure Kensi and Deeks make it to the final event on time, you know so it's fair competition." Callen informed a sly grin on his face. Sam let what Callen was suggesting sink in for a moment, before shaking his head at Callen.
"I'll see you tomorrow G," Sam smiled, starting his car up again.
"Thanks for dinner, tell Annie that I'll take up her offer for a tea party real soon,"
Sam smiled affectionately at Callen, knowing how much he enjoyed spending time with the little girl, who subtly reminded him of the little sister he never really had the chance to know.
"I'll be sure to let her know, goodnight G,"
"Night Sam," Callen said, shutting the car door, walking up the path to his house as Sam pulled out of the drive way, driving down the suburban street.
Callen pushed through the front door, entering his bare apartment, heading straight for his bedroom deciding that tonight he would let his mind rest and succumb to a good nights sleep.
Despite Kensi's best efforts to stay awake, she had fallen asleep on Deeks' couch, her head leaning on Deeks' shoulder, his arm around her waist, pulling her in close. Whilst this was not what Deeks had expected of the night, after Kensi's many protests and objections about returning to his apartment, he wasn't going to complain. Stifling a yawn, Deeks shut off the television, causing the apartment to collapse into darkness and leant back into the soft couch cushions, closing his eyes. Deeks felt his breathing begin to steady out and the soft snores coming from Kensi sooth him, sleep beginning to cloud his mind. Deeks sat up slightly knowing that he would not thank himself tomorrow if he and Kensi spent the night together on the cramped couch, knowing that one of them should take the empty bed. Groaning slightly, Deeks tried to sit forward against the weight of Kensi, doing his best not to wake her.
"Just five more minutes," Kensi whispered softly, grasping on to Deeks shirt, trying to still his movements.
"Shh Kens, go back to sleep." Deeks soothed, running a hand up her arm, trying to lull her back to sleep. Kensi nuzzled her head closer to the crook of Deeks neck, sighing contently as Deeks stopped his movements. Looking down at Kensi, Deeks watched as she slept quietly next to him, her face void of any emotion, feeling the still tight grip she held on his shirt.
As Kensi's snores grew louder in Deeks ear, and the soft breaths grew heavier, Deeks knew that was going to be able to move without waking his partner. Sitting forward once again, Deeks moved Kensi from his shoulder, carefully placing her against the back of the couch, as he stood up. Stretching his arms above his head, Deeks stifled another yawn, watching as Kensi's brow knotted with confusion, her hand wandering slightly against the fabric of the couch. Moving back towards the couch, Deeks took in the position of Kensi trying to figure the best way to approach his sleeping partner.
Pulling the loose blanket up and over her shoulder, Deeks hooked his arm under Kensi's bent knees, his other arm snaking around to support her back as he effortlessly picked his partner up off the couch. Kensi moaned audibly at the movement, her head moving from side to side, until finding its resting place on Deeks shoulder once again. Deeks couldn't help by smile at the vulnerable Kensi that he held in his arms. He knew that if Kensi wasn't truly asleep there was no way that she would let him carry her, let alone to his bed, but he was feeling rather confident that she wouldn't be waking up any time soon. Navigating through his dark apartment, Deeks carried Kensi through to his bedroom, which looked more like hers than his own after the morning's adventures.
Clothes lined the floor and the duvet still lay piled up at the end of the bed. Careful not to trip over any of the obstacles he and Kensi had created, Deeks tentatively placed Kensi on the bed, making sure that she was covered by the blanket that was already wrapped around her. Removing his sweatpants, Deeks made his way down to the end of the bed, picking up the discarded doona cover and throwing it over the bed. As it began to settle, Deeks made his way out to the living room, grabbing both his and Kensi's weapons and cell phones before returning to the dark bedroom.
"Deeks," Kensi whispered sleepily, sitting up slightly as Deeks entered the room.
"Go back to sleep Kens," Deeks instructed as he began rooting through his cupboard for another blanket from himself.
"Come to bed," Kensi groaned, patting the empty space of the bed with a sleep-heavy arm. Deeks look at Kensi sceptically, unsure if he should take the sleep dazed invitation for he had every intention of sleeping on the couch again.
"Ah…" Deeks started quietly, looking to see if Kensi had fallen asleep again.
"Get over here," Kensi whispered sleepily, no threat in her tone but more of a wanting. Deeks shrugged his shoulders and lazily made his way over to the bed, where Kensi was waiting with half closed eyes, her head pressed softly into the pillow. As she felt the bed dip with Deeks' weight, a content smile formed on her lips. It was too dark for Deeks to notice this, but he too had a content smile as his head hit the soft pillow. Snuggling under the doona cover, Deeks pulled it up to his ears, as he tried to create some space between himself and Kensi. His efforts appeared fruitless, for it seemed the further he moved away the closer she moved towards him, subconsciously tracking his warmth. Deeks sighed to himself and gave up on his retreat, pulling the now asleep Kensi into his arms, effectively spooning her.
"You are going to kill me in the morning," Deeks whispered in Kensi's ear, tightening his grip on her, as he let his eyes succumb to the slumber of the night.
'The final day of events has finally arrived and we are closer to deciding who is the overall Op-Lympic Champion. Events today shall be held in Beverly Hills, beginning at 10:00a.m. Swimming gear is mandatory and so is a swift arrival, Mr Deeks and Miss Blye, directions shall be sent to your phones. Come prepared. – Hetty.'
Callen pulled up the curb outside Sam's house, watching as Sam loaded Annie into the back of Denise's car, a loving smile on his face. Callen waved at Denise through the window, waiting patiently for Sam to send off his family. A kiss on the cheek for Annie and a loving kiss with his wife, and Sam was on his way over to the car. Throwing his bag in the already popped trunk, Sam slid into the passenger's seat.
"Morning G," Sam said happily, fastening his belt buckle as Callen pulled away from the curb.
"Morning Sam," Callen responded cheerily, setting his path in the general direction of Kensi and Deeks apartments.
"Good night's sleep?" Sam questioned, taking in Callen's fresh appearance that he hadn't been accustomed to in the past two weeks.
"Surprisingly," Callen confirmed, stopping at the traffic lights, dialling Eric's number into his phone. The phone rang several times before it was answered by a disgruntled Eric.
"Eric Beale," Eric greeted, clearly not taking the time to read the caller id.
"Eric its Callen, I need a favour," Callen requested through the phone as traffic began moving once again.
"Hang on just a sec," The sound of scuffling and movement was heard through the phone, along with the opening of a door.
"Okay what is it Callen," Eric asked, his voice growing more chirpy.
"I need you to locate Kensi and Deeks' cell phones," Callen informed, knowing that Eric had the equipment set up in his apartment for such a request.
"Are they in trouble?" Eric asked concernedly, sitting down at his computer desk, opening the required program.
"Nope, just need to know where they are," Sam chirped in.
"Oh hey Sam, running the search now," Eric commentated, typing away at his keyboard.
"Okay it looks like they are together at Deeks apartment or at least their phones are." Eric announced, sounding impressed with himself after his swift results.
"And the street camera confirms Kensi's car is parked out the front," Eric added quickly, taking the liberty to check.
"Thanks Eric, see you later,"
"Bye guys,"
With that information, Callen made a hard left at the next intersection taking the shorter route to Deeks apartment, hoping to avoid the early morning traffic.
"Should have known they were together," Sam smirked, tapping his fingers on the interior above the window. Callen glanced incredulously at Sam, agreeing with his partner. It wasn't long after their phone call with Eric that Sam and Callen were standing outside the door to Deeks apartment, cunning grins on their faces.
"Should we knock?" Sam asked curiously, unsure how they should approach the situation, not wanting to catch Kensi and Deeks in a compromising position.
"It's not locked," Callen noticed, playing with the door handle.
"Deeks," Sam grunted disapprovingly under his breath, walking in behind Callen who let himself into the apartment. The living room was darkened, but there wasn't anyone in sight. Callen and Sam moved through into the apartment, noticing that Kensi and Deeks' gym bags lay forgotten by the coffee table, the only soft noises coming from the bedroom.
Callen raised his eyebrows at Sam expectantly, letting Sam know that he could now take the lead on this particular 'investigation'. Sam glared at Callen pointedly, raising his eyebrows in defiance, letting Callen know that he didn't want any part of what was to come. Callen shook his head, a sly grin on his face, before stalking his way down the short hallway closing in on the bedroom door. Callen glanced more at Sam, making sure his partner was still behind him before fully opening the door, to a sight he was not expecting.
Kensi and Deeks were curled up together in the middle of Deeks bed, Kensi's back pushed up against Deeks chest, his head resting in the crook of her neck. Deeks arm was lazily wrapped around Kensi's waist, whilst his other arm was stretched out under Kensi, reaching to meet her own outstretched arm, their fingers barely intertwined. The pair looked content with their sleep, Deeks' nose twitching every so often as peaceful snores emanated from Kensi, their breathing in tune with the other.
Callen shared an amused look with Sam before returning to the pair, who were shifting slightly in the bed, nodding his head at Sam who raised his fingers to his lips, letting out an ear shattering whistle, as Callen flicked on the light switch. Kensi and Deeks both sat up with a start, their heads colliding into one another with a slight bump from the surprise. Instinctively the pair reached for their weapons, Deeks grabbing for his but Kensi failing to find hers in all the chaos. Within seconds Deeks had his weapon trained on Sam and Callen, whilst Kensi looked on his shock, still confused as to what was happening. Sam and Callen raised their hands in defeat, a smug smile on their faces, knowing that they had caught Kensi and Deeks unaware. Deeks recognised Sam and Callen's submission, lowering his weapon with a huff as he closed his eyes again.
"What are you doing?" Kensi questioned loudly, slowly shuffling to the other side of the bed, knowing that she had just been caught in an interesting position with Deeks.
"Time to get up, we have a competition to finish," Callen instructed casually, swaying his weight from hip to hip.
"We have an alarm set," Deeks groaned leaning back into the cushions, looking up at the ceiling, as Kensi crossed her arms across her chest with a scowl.
"We just wanted to make sure you two made it on time, we didn't want to win by default." Sam informed politely, as though it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"Now c'mon out of bed. Get moving!" Callen commanded, clapping his hands together. Kensi narrowed her eyes at the partners, throwing back the covers, moving into the bathroom and out of the sight of the three men. Once the door closed Deeks sat up with a groan.
"Today is not going to be fun," Deeks complained, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. He knew that Kensi was embarrassed to have been caught unsuspecting and unaware by the senior partners, and the position they had been caught in was not helping the situation. Whilst she was willing to tease and joke about it, being caught in the act was not something Kensi was most fond off. Sam and Callen crossed their arms over their chests in sync with one another, looking at Deeks expectantly, as if they were waiting for an explanation. Deeks knew this look; he had witnessed it several times before from the pair, it was the protective big brother stance they took whenever Deeks did something that pissed Kensi off.
"Look, it's not what it looks like…." Deeks started running a hand over his face, causing Sam and Callen's already plastered grin to grow wider.
"We didn't say anything Deeks," Callen interrupted, leaning against the door.
"Feeling guilty?" Sam added, looking sternly at Deeks. Deeks looked at the senior agents, a cheeky grin of his own on his face. Sam took one look at Deeks face, shaking his head in the process.
"C'mon G, we shall leave the lovebirds to their own preparations, just make sure you're on time."
"We are not lovebirds," Kensi scowled through the bathroom door, making it clear that she could hear every word of the conversation that was transpiring through the door.
"Well you enjoy your morning Deeks, we shall see you at the events," Callen said hurriedly, knowing that they had most definitely annoyed Kensi. Sam nodded his head, giving Deeks on last knowing look before turning on his heel after Callen, who was chuckling his way out of the apartment.
"Gee thanks," Deeks grumbled, pulling the covers over his head, this was not how he thought his morning was going to start.
Once Sam and Callen had completed their swift retreat, Kensi and Deeks had set about getting ready for the new days events, the awkwardness from the mornings interrupted sleep, quickly forgotten. Jokes had been made to ease the tension, and Deeks was yet to inform Kensi on what had led to her ending up in his arms the night before, despite knowing about Kensi's growing curiosity. Similarly nothing had been discussed between Callen and Sam as they began their drive towards the Beverly Hills location, instead discussing what means Hetty would have used to acquire the current location. They had delved deep into contacts, Ops and various expensive bottles of whiskey, but a reasonable explanation hadn't come up. The pair that were discussing what had transpired were the pair that weren't there to witness it.
"They just called you?" Nell asked rather curious, as she and Eric walked through the decorated lobby, looking important.
"Yeah, they wanted to know where they were, no explanation." Eric confirmed, agreeing with Nell that is was strange of Sam and Callen to be checking up on the junior partners.
"You don't think they were…." Nell started, leaving the sentence for Eric to finish in his head. Eric shrugged sheepishly, playing with the tablet in his hand.
"I hope not…" Eric confided, his mouth forming a thin line. "Do you think Hetty knows?" Eric added quickly.
"She knows more than we do. Did you log the search?" Nell asked, looking at Eric expectantly.
"NCIS protocol…" Eric started, Nell's eyes growing wide with disbelief. "But it was a favour, so I erased it." Eric smiled hesitantly.
"Erased what Mr Beale?" Hetty questioned, sitting on a cushioned lounge chair by the swimming pool. Eric stammered for a moment, not realising he had been overheard by the silent Hetty.
"He erased the high score on his online game and replaced it with a new one," Nell blatantly lied, knowing that Hetty would see through it in a second.
"Very well then," Hetty allowed her features neutral, although she was concealing her actual reaction.
"What event is first today?" Eric inquired, repositioning his glasses.
"I am yet to decide, we shall see the condition the team is in when they arrive and go from there," Hetty disclosed, taking a long sip of her cooling tea.
"That's if they arrive," Eric whispered to Nell jokingly. Nell couldn't help but smile, taking a seat down beside Hetty, just out of the warming sun. Eric plonked down in the seat next to Nell, his gaze falling on the shimmering pool, flat and serene undisturbed by the soft blowing wind.
"So Mr Beale, how did you beat this high score?" Hetty asked after several moments of silence, a knowing grin on her face.
As Eric was finishing his elaborate story about beating his high score on a game he hope Hetty had never heard of, Sam and Callen strolled through the arch that lead out to the swimming pool area, where three separate pools were situated, each catering to different swimming experiences. Sam let out a low whistle as he observed the expansive outdoor area, with several tennis courts in the distance.
"Now how did you manage this one?" Callen questioned cheekily, dropping his bag down behind a reclining lounge chair, taking up a relaxed position in it.
"That's not for you to worry about Mr Callen, but you needn't worry it was all civilised." Hetty divulged, her smile reaching her eyes.
"Shall Miss Blye and Mr Deeks be joining us today?" Hetty queried, as though she already knew that Sam and Callen had made an unannounced visit to the pair that morning.
"If they don't kill each other first, then most likely," Sam grinned, taking the empty seat next to Eric, patting him on the shoulder.
"Excuse you Sam," Kensi grinned, appearing from seemingly nowhere. The team all looked at Kensi and Deeks in shock, as they walked over from the tennis courts, racquets in hand, smug grins on their faces.
"But I believe we have been longer than you two," Kensi continued, leaning a hand on the back of Nell's chair, Deeks standing right beside her.
"How did you…" Callen started, looking sceptically at the pair.
"We didn't stop for coffee and delicate pastries, like you two did." Deeks went on, smiling proudly. Callen and Sam once again looked sceptically at the younger pair, knowing that between them they would not have been able to go without their normal morning refreshments.
"How did you…" Sam started, more curious as to how they knew where they had been.
"Didn't, but you just confirmed it." Deeks smiled smugly, sharing a cocky look with Kensi, as Nell and Eric's eyes widened with shock at the cunning game the pair were playing.
"Did all that sleep turn you into a detective, Deeks?" Callen taunted, looking more towards Kensi who instantly blushed under the gaze of Callen. Hetty watched the exchanged between the two partnerships with a watchful eye; realising there was more to the conversation than that was simply being said. Deciding to put an end to the one-upmanship and obvious innuendos, Hetty place her cup and saucer back down on the glass table top, clearing her throat in the process.
"Whilst you may find the events of ones morning activities an amusing conversational topic, may I suggest you all go and change into something more appropriate for the first event of the day, the fifty metre swim." Hetty interjected, looking her team over. Deeks turned to Kensi with a wicked grin on his face, but was cut off by Hetty before he had a chance to start his sentence.
"Miss Blye shall have her own change room for today," Kensi looked smugly at Deeks, then thankfully at Hetty, before picking up her gym bag.
"I'll see you at the finish line gentleman," And with that Kensi was making her towards the extravagant building. Deeks looked to Hetty, who merely nodded her head, signalling Deeks that he should follow Kensi's lead and head towards the change room.
"C'mon Sallen, I'll show you were the big boys get changed," Deeks taunted, slinging his bag over his shoulder, throwing his racquet up in the air and catching it at the same time. Sam rolled his eyes at the detective, before trudging after him, Callen at his side.
"Is drowning him out of the question?" Sam joked, watching the cocky walk of Deeks ahead of him.
"If you don't mind an angry Kensi after you then sure," Callen reminded, holding the door opened for Sam.
"Back to the drawing board then,"
An:/ Like I said not much Op-Lympic action, sorry about that. More to come very soon. Thanks :)